Parke, Elna F. – Cochran Funeral

Elna Parke, nee Frederickson, died at the age of 84 on March 3, 2026 at Heath Village, The Meadows, in Hackettstown, where she had resided for the prior three weeks. Elna grew up in Long Valley. She attended Hackettstown High School, where she met her husband, Charles Parke of Allamuchy. They married in 1959 and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. They initially lived in Hackettstown before moving to Schooley’s Mountain in 1979. They enjoyed staying at the vacation home they built on Lake Damariscotta in Jefferson, Maine for many years.

Elna was an avid reader, who liked participating in book clubs before dementia took away that joy. She was a long-time faithful member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hackettstown, where she had taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School when her children were small. She also served on the Church Council. Elna was a dedicated member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

Elna was an outstanding seamstress, a gift handed down from her mother, and she made several quilts and most of her young daughters’ dresses. After her children grew up, she continued to sew for needy children in Appalachia. Elna belonged to a sewing circle in Hackettstown for a number of years.

Elna was a graduate of Centenary College, with a Library of Science degree. She worked at the Peapack-Gladstone Bank for 20 years, where she enjoyed Employee of the Month status more than once. Some of her volunteer activities included collecting money on Route 46 for the construction of Hackettstown Community Hospital, working at the Recycling Center, and serving as the long-time secretary for the German Valley Rural Cemetery in Bartley.

Elna was named after her Norwegian grandmother, Elna Carlson Fredericksen. She cherished her Norwegian heritage, and their daughters could think of no sweeter gift for their parents’ 50^th anniversary than to send them on a trip along the beautiful coast of Norway aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Elna was the daughter of Frederick and Dorothea Frederickson of Long Valley. She was pre-deceased by her beloved sister Marian Mulligan. She is survived by three daughters: Molly (and Charles Petty) of Blairstown, Melissa (and David Mauro) of Flanders, and Kathryn (and James Bryant) of Weatherford, TX; five grand-children and four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 6^th from 2-4PM, at Cochran Funeral Home and the funeral will be held on Saturday, March 7^th at 11AM at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Burial will be at the German Valley Rural Cemetery in Bartley.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840. Those who wish to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/

9 Condolences for Parke, Elna F.

Condolences(9)

Lori & Harold DelMauro says

March 5, 2026 at 4:45 pm

Charlie and family,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your Elna. She was a bright light in this world. We have fond memories of our meetings at the diner. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. May she have eternal rest in the arms of our savior. Sending our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.

Chick Dimiceli says

March 5, 2026 at 7:28 pm

Charlie I am sad to hear of the passing of your wife Always such a pleasure to talk to I remember when you guys started dating God bless

Louise says

March 6, 2026 at 3:15 pm

I’m so sorry to see this. Elna and I worked together at PG Bank. She was a wonderful co-worker, always happy and thoughtful . Beloved by her clients and co-workers alike. Sending Charlie and family my heartfelt condolences.

Debra Battista says

March 7, 2026 at 2:54 pm

Elna and Charlie have been our neighbors for over 25 years . I’ve always admired how well Charlie kept the house and would stop over from time to time to see how they were doing. Every time I came to the house, Elna would welcome me in with her signature smile and often offered me homemade cookies while Charlie was taking a nap. Even when I came over in recent months, Elna still had her smile and welcomed me in. I will miss that smile, her warmth and her love of life. Rest in peace Elna.

Sharon Schlomer Housel and Pat says

March 7, 2026 at 3:11 pm

Our deepest condolences to all whose hearts were touched by the loss of your loved one.

Carol and Frank says

March 7, 2026 at 4:15 pm

Dear Charlie and Family,,

We were so sad to hear the passing of Elna. She was such a lovely lady inside and out. She’ll be missed terribly by all that knew.and loved her. May all her fond memories bring you comfort and peace. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Elna.

Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Love,
Frank and Carol.

Sharon Schlomer Housel and Pat (Florida) says

March 9, 2026 at 12:47 am

Our condolences to all whose hearts are touched by the loss of your mom/loved one by so many.

Paul & Robin Wallace says

March 10, 2026 at 10:14 pm

Mollie & Parke Family
My Wife & I were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, and though I did hear she was in poor health, the reality of the separation is still painful and the loved ones to bear.
We ask our FATHER in Heaven, through Christ Our LORD to comfort You All as only HE Can
GOD Bless
Paul and Robin Wallace

Barbara Shaw says

March 12, 2026 at 3:47 pm

So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. Barbara Shaw

Parke, Elna F. September 15, 1941 - March 3, 2026

Date of Funeral